Transformations in Financial Networks Among Women Entrepreneurs Post-Demonetization: A Comparative Analysis by Family Structure and Digital Integration

Management

This study investigates the deviations and adaptive transformations in financial networks among women entrepreneurs in the aftermath of demonetization in India, with particular focus on differences based on family structure and digital integration. Demonetization disrupted conventional cash-based financial systems, compelling entrepreneurs to restructure their monetary transactions, credit access, and savings mechanisms. Women, especially those operating small or home-based businesses, were particularly vulnerable due to limited access to formal financial infrastructure and dependency on informal networks. Using a quantitative research design, the study analyzed survey data from 426 women entrepreneurs categorized by family type—nuclear and joint. Variables explored include access to bank loans, reliance on microfinance institutions, participation in government loan schemes, and adoption of digital payment methods. The analysis applied independent samples t-tests to examine differences in perceived impact across family structures. The findings reveal no significant difference in most financial variables; however, joint family respondents reported a greater impact on their participation in savings groups and cooperatives, while nuclear family respondents perceived a stronger influence of demonetization on access to government schemes. In addition, frequency analysis of digital payment adoption shows that over 56% of respondents “often” or “always” use digital payment methods, indicating a significant shift toward digital financial integration. These findings underscore the importance of inclusive digital literacy initiatives and the role of family dynamics in shaping entrepreneurial financial behavior. The study contributes to understanding how macroeconomic disruptions affect women-led enterprises and provides policy-relevant insights to strengthen their financial resilience and adaptability.

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